Process by which a bacteriophage, using its tail fibers, spikes or a baseplate component, initially recognizes and binds to its specific receptor on the host cell surface. This process is reversible and allows the release of a bacteriophage without affecting infection.
Source:
GOC:bm
Comment
This process was historically defined by the release, by Waring blending or sonication, by dilution and centrifugation, or by filtration and washing, of infective virions from their complexes with cells, thus contrary to what is observed after irreversible adsorption.